As India trail 2-1 in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Suresh Raina has weighed in on one of the most talked-about issues of the series: dropped catches.
Speaking to Sports Today, the former India batter said poor fielding has cost India crucial moments, especially in the heart-breaking 22-run loss at Lord's where several chances went down.
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The Indian team has looked competitive with the bat and ball throughout the tour, but dropped catches in the slips have repeatedly hurt their chances, especially in seam-friendly conditions.
Raina recalled how earlier teams regarded slip catching as equally important as batting or bowling drills and said it was high time India restored that discipline.
Suresh Raina explains India's catching struggles in England
Raina explained how swinging conditions in England make catching difficult but at the same time, that is what can make the difference in the Test match.
"When the ball moves so much behind the stumps - like when Siraj, Bumrah or Akash Deep are bowling - it's very difficult. But that's exactly why slip catching becomes more important," said Raina.
Suresh Raina highlights importance of good fielding
He said past Indian teams worked hard on their catching skills under coaches like Duncan Fletcher and Gary Kirsten.
"We used to have 45-minute sessions dedicated to slip catching. One left-handed batter would edge, then a right-handed. You'd get used to different angles and speeds - that was our routine," he added.
India dropped seven catches in the first Test, which was a big reason for their loss despite putting up strong totals.
"The fielding, I believe, is in our hands. Even if the batting doesn't click, you can still make up with good catching. Bumrah was bowling brilliantly; one catch there could've been a turning point," he said.
Raina also pointed out some standout efforts - including Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj's catches and said those need to become the norm.
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"I'm sure they are working on it. But India needs to put in extra effort. Fielding can win you Tests in England," he concluded.
India now head to Manchester for a must-win fourth Test at Old Trafford starting July 23.